We're Number Two, We're Number Two

It's not easy being Number Two - People shoot at you just as if you were Number One. I think Avis was right...sometimes #2 just doesn't get any respect. Or was that Henny Youngman. Avis said #2 has to try harder. Maybe that's today's theme afterall.

Starting the day, the Horns were #2 in 3 different sports...football, men's hoops and volleyball. But all 3 have a chance to do something about it - 2 of them today.

The basketball team, despite being continously disparaged (well, maybe not continuously)for not playing any team of substance, squared off against the defending National Champs and perennial ACC and National Power UNC Tarheels. And the Horns got to do some showing off before a national audience. Despite having won their 9 previous games, all in doube-digits, against the likes of Pittsburgh, Iowa, USC, Long Beach State, etc., ranging from 16-33 point margins, this does not prove anything to folks like Dickie V. Result today? Horns by 13. They will now probably get some more Number 1 votes. Though, you know, UNC probably isn't really that good. Cough.

The volleyball team is also ranked Number 2, and despite all he volleyball teams having to deal with class schedules and final exams, somehow the NCAA has managed to cobble together a competitive PLAYOFF tournament. And the Horns have lived up to their Number 2 ranking by making it through to the Championshp game that will be played tonight. However, their opponent also did their job, as usual, by being ranked Numero Uno. And they are the current gold standard of women's volleyball - the Penn State Nittany Lions have won 101 straight matches including the last two National Championships. They've scored more the last 3 years than even Tiger Woods. The Horns will have an uphill fight tonight - but they will not be weaponless - having only lost once this year. Their star player is the wonderfully named Destinee Hooker who is also the NCAA High Jump Champion. And she is surrounded by a talented team. They will be the underdog, but don't be surprised if they pull the upset.

Last by not least the football team has ascended to Number 2 and is proud of its ranking as it should be. But, to be so highly ranked they are not getting much respect either. Just because the Big 12 ended up without any other highly ranked teams this year, the national media has disparaged (my new favorite word) Texas as not having played tough competition. Last I looked all the vaunted SEC teams - except for the top 2 - have been beaten 3-4-5 times as well. But, all you want is a chance to play for all the marbles and that's what the Horns will get to do on January 7. At least they have some precedence on their side this time which may minimize any surprise that may occur.

Until next time,

your humble servant.

What a difference a Year and a Second Make

Last year the Horns missed a perfect season by one second out at that barren, God-forsaken land called Lubbock. Last night in the comfort but tense land called Jerry World the Horns got their second back. Unbelievable finish to a storybook regualar season.

Best line by DMN's Barry Horn: "Ndamukong Suh - the most dominant defensive lineman to ever set foot in Cowboys Stadium." Gagree. That guy is the best defensive lineman I think I've ever seen. Top draft pick? If I'm a GM with the #1 draft pick I am going to question any of my scouts that suggest anyone else.

All North Dallas Emergency Medical personnel have been sent home for the day after being on High Alert last night. Maybe indicative of our advancing ages, but we pulled out the blood pressure machine immediately after the ball barely cleared the crossbar. Triple digits in all catgories for most of the folks here. Today as the polls are coming in, laidback-and-cool, nothing-to-it demeanor has returned.